Strong Wind Watch Issued for Sunday Across the North Island

A strong wind watch has been issued for Te Ika-a-Māui, North Island, from 1am to 11pm on Sunday, April 12.

MetService said cyclone Vaianu is likely to move across the Island on Sunday, bringing “damaging, potentially life-threatening winds.”

It said uncertainty remains over the cyclone's exact track, so the location of the most severe wind remains unknown.

“As confidence in the track increases, parts of this Watch will be upgraded to Orange or possibly Red Warnings,” said MetService.

“Vaianu will also bring heavy rain, with Heavy Rain Watches and/or Warnings likely to be issued on Thursday for some areas. High chance of upgrading to a Warning.”

Trees, power lines, and unsecured structures could be damaged, and driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.

MetService urges the community to secure loose items that can be picked up by strong winds and to drive cautiously.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is urging people to prepare for the cyclone, before it arrives. 

NEMA’s Director of Civil Defence Emergency Management John Price said acting sooner rather than later is important to be prepared. 

"If you can, make sure drains around your property are clear of waste and debris and bring inside or tie down anything that strong winds could break or pick up."

With a heavy rain prior to the cyclone, Price is urging people to be prepared for landslides. 

"Watch for warning signs like small slips or rockfalls, water flowing out of a slope, trees or fences that start to tilt or doors and window frames that start to stick."

"Also take care around trees which may become unstable and fall."

If there are signs of danger, evacuate immediately.  

He also warns against entering flood waters "as they are dangerous and can kill you."

NEMA willl continue to monitor the forecast closely. 

The Bay of Plenty west of Whakatāne remains under an orange heavy rain warning until 9pm Wednesday, April 8.

MetService said the region can expect 60 to 80 mm of rain on top of what has already fallen, “possibly more in localised places, especially inland.”

“Peak rates of 25 to 40 mm/h possible in localised downpours and possible thunderstorms.”

It said there is uncertainty about the clearance of the rain, and the “validity of this warning could be extended,” however, there is a minimal chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.

A heavy rain watch remains in place for the rest of the district until 12pm Thursday, April 9.

Periods of heavy rain may approach warning criteria, with the chance of localised downpours from Wednesday evening.

There is a moderate chance of upgrading to a warning.

MetService is urging the community to clear drains and gutters, avoid low-lying areas, and drive carefully.

It said there is a risk of surface flooding and slips.

Civil Defence is urging the community to be prepared and stay up to date with the latest forecasts.

It recommends bringing inside or tying down anything strong wind can break or pick up, securing and turning trampolines upside down, removing loose debris from your property, such as branches or firewood, and clearing waste and debris from drains.

“Check on your neighbours and anyone who might need your help, move farm animals to areas that are safe from flooding and high winds, and be prepared with torches and have a solar or battery-powered radio so you can keep up with the latest news and alerts.”